"Nice article! Congratulations on getting the launch year correct. So much of the marketing material since the 1980's has claimed the model's been around for 'over a 100 years' when in fact that refers to the Svea brand, not this model. Svea was an older stove brand from Max Sievert, a competitor of Optimus. Optimus aquired the brand & model in 1970 & kept this model going & added the R to 123. The R refers to the built in cleaning needle. @Pete F - If it's still going after 60 years, has such a cult following & still sought after - it's a design wonder.Shame they aren't made in their spiritual home of Sweden anymore.For folk wjo love the 123R & other classic there is a place for you: http://classiccampstoves.com/"